It has happened again. Major tweak and record provider has available a steam cleaner made especially for records. Anybody try steam for cleaning lp’s? What were your results? Since a unit can be had for about $20 at Target, 15% of what the tweak provider is charging, is it worth a try?.
John of Sunnyvale... I don't know what the concensus is, only what I've been doing. It probably takes me in the neighborhood of 10-15 seconds to steam one side of a 33 1/3 LP. I start near the center using a Tupperware-type lid to protect the inner label and go round and round toward the outside, stopping only momentarily to get past my finger that I'm using to hold down the lid. I'm still experimenting but quite often I'll steam several times per side (i.e., in between applications of cleaning solutions) followed by vacuuming. I also steam as a final "rinse" and vacuum to dry. It's a pain and may take 15-20 minutes or so to do a side. This fairly aggressive use of steam hasn't caused any damage that I can discern and some very noisy (lot's of pops and ticks) flea market purchases are now almost completely silent. In fact when the stylus gets to the runout groove that's been covered by the plastic lid and not cleaned - the noise is back and by contrast you can easily hear the benefit of cleaning.
What's the current consensus as to the duration one should pull the trigger on the steamer? 5 sec, 10, 15? i.e. what gives sufficient cleaning without damaging the LP? Tks!
Crem1 - I was trained as a bacteriologist, did graduate work in microbiology and have been employed as a microbiologist. I'll be following this development with great interest!
Readers : I have been continuing to Steam coupling the use of specialized Harmless Bacteria that consume organic materials found on surfaces and the groves of the recordings.
Experimental results far exceed what I initially believed possible. More to come and some notations on bacteria cleaning placed on other Record Cleaning/fluids Threads. More to come.
Dear Steamers , Thanks , but despite the beauty of Europe I prefer to stay home to do my time. Please stay tuned and please keep doctumenting the revolution by your remarks. Steaming causes no harm as recommended , and isn't quite discs what we all want ?
Lots to offer...You could be quite surprized at the other ideas I wish to share with the Analog Community.
Enought for now , but a hint ... my relations are inventors and have been granted patients ... thinking / inventing is a part of what we (I) do. This is normal for us but I am certianly the exception in many ways.
Works beautifully. My vinyl looks, and sounds, so much cleaner after steaming than before. And steaming is easy. And with a RCM, it seems perfect. Don't know why anyone wouldn't want to at least try it. Unless they're afraid of damage to the vinyl. No damage here. Just very, very quiet vinyl.
Creml - I had the opportunity to visit Berlin in Sept. '07. What a beautiful city. Really enjoyed it. To make matters even better, there's a great music shop ("Cover") on Kurfurstendamm Strasse with lots of vinyl. Unfortunately, folks there indicated they may soon lose their lease and be forced out. Suggest you serve your time in Berlin but do it soon!
Readers : I recently attended a gathering of audio designer types fresh from the CES. It was expressed that I had been criticized by some industry-types in Europe stating that my advice on this Thread to use of all record cleaners from home-brew to $$$ for steam cleaning, greatly under-estimated the effectiveness of (high cost) record cleaning products and machines.
The critics reportly said I failed to appreciate facts showing some (high priced) cleaners were far more effective than steam cleaning. Not surprizing none of the critics were in attendance, but their strong comments made it across the Atlantic.
In fairness, I was reminded that some in the Record Cleaning Industry (in Europe and elesewhere) may feel threatened by me giving away a Record Cleaning Process costing thousands of Euors less that represents a threat to their market share.
Friends, I plead guilty. I plead guilty to attempting to spread a Record Cleaning Process that doesn't cost thousands and works as well or better , very much better. I plead guilty to spreading the word and not for profit. And, I believe that the more we know the better choices/options are available. Ok, where do I serve my time ? London, Berlin , Paris , Milan or Rome ? Now, that's a way to start a revolution.
Bosrt: Thank you for the kind heart support and appreciation for Steam Cleaning.
B, records(new/used) cost big bucks from speciality businesses around the country. I certianly support the notion that some folks have chosen to make a living from the black orbs; good for them. But, we also prefer alternatives. Steaming turns many a Goodwill find to not only playable but on par with the higher priced goods; provided one is educated to understand the difference between a "dirty gem" and a Lp not worth a cent.
Bosrt, I don't your feelings, but I feel cheated of my money when I read critical comments printed by some Audio Mag's relating that cleaning LPs is a drag. Some writers even go farther to complain of "surface noise" from a certian cart without even making an attempt to be assured the noise isn't coming from the LP. Steam Cleaning makes a huge difference all things being equal at a very modest outlay of $$ -- Thanks for being a part of the revolution.
Crem1: Thanks for getting back to me. I'll try out a few more lps and see what happens. I've only steamed the one lp and certainly don't consider that to be a definitive sample. I will post updates on how I do. Also, I went to the local Whole Foods store here (I live in San Jose) and they did not have the special water mentioned before. Perhaps that water is only available in some states.
At any rate, I think you've made a real contribution to Audiogon by sharing your experiences on steam cleaning. It's been a very informative thread. Please keep us posted too. Cheers!
Headsnappin: The Whole Foods water was recommended on a water thread below and was mentioned here. A stop at a local Medical Ctr. for a heart Defib has delayed me from going to my local Whole Foods -- That's on my do list.
Does anyone have any experience with the highly distilled water from Whole Foods as a final rinse? I seem to remember a post about it but can't seem to find it.
Ghostthouse : As stated I have Never encountered the issue . The dialog between myself and a sciencific guy relating to record cleaning at large was his opinion that was favorable. The articles I have read related to RCM cleaning only rather than steam cleaning. I have personally cleaned thousands of LPs in my collection both RCM only and with steam and I have never encountered an issue with a LP center hole. I am not suggesting that it can not happen only that my experience has never led to that challenge. My VPI has a threaded center-pin with a threaded top-piece. My VPI's center-pin has never impeded the placement of a Lp on the turntable or subsequently on my record player.I have been cleaning records for nearly 4 decades (brushes , RCM's & later steam) as have my friends and as far as I am aware none have had that problem nor have I or anyone I know had a problem with holding a LP for cleaning. I'm not saying never only never in my collective experience.
Stelkor & Crem1 - As a precaution can a piece of metal (nail?) of the appropriate diameter be inserted into the LP spindle hole prior to cleaning? Might help conserve original dimensions.
Just did my first steam cleaning. Treated Steely Dan's "The Royal Scam"...a very noisy LP since bought many years ago. Steaming has improved things beyond what straight cleaning fluid/RCM cleaning did. I'm inclined to give it another treatment and see if the last residual "pops" can be eliminated. No issues with spindle hole dimension changes.
1. As time goes on and I receive more emails from Steamers and I am learning from their experiences.
Several Steamers report excellent results cleaning Lps on the RCM's. I too have lately experimented with their suggestions; I agree that in most cases one can steam clean effectively on the RCM turntable.The RCM turntable and surroundings can get very wet may need a careful wiping off.
It is my observation the physical action of steam hitting the groves is the catalysist that releases contaminates .That release is accelerated by a record cleaning solution following the initial steam. Remember, to always steam-off the record cleaning solution following a good scrub and vac on a RCM , or you will defeat the purpose of getting the vinyl as free of sonic fingerprints(residue) as possible. Some steamers forgo the vac in favor of micro-cloths reporting similar results. Personally, I use both and would never give my RCM.
The exception to cleaning on a RCM rather than initially by hand, appears more directed to recordings that visually exhibit greasey-type smuges/fingerprints or organic-type grunge. Stuff one may find on second-hand LPs; the steam control issues may become more important regarding a "45 degree angle" for removing gunk for the dirter-than-thou LPs than the mint-. Again , to clean on a RCM is a choice not than absolute rule. My preference is to use all options depending on my naked-eye observation and wipe-up the slightly wetter RCM at clean-up time.
I feel , the shorter the distance from the steam cleaning unit to the LP the better. With the Perfection I do use the 6" cone attachment sometimes but no other. My experience had been the steam tends to cool down in the hose attachments sometimes causing a water build up in the hose that streams out when you initially pull the trigger to the Steamer. That is not what I want and that happens far less using the shortest distance between the heating tank and the vinyl surface.
2. The hole issue one is new on me. My practice is to avoid getting the label wet by applying a cover -- I use a give away circular vinyl jar opener to cover the label.
Stelkor, what you have aluded to has been discussed personally with me; that some LPs seem "expand" after cleaning then return to normal size.
I know of one scientist who has related that he believes some vinyl compounds retain heat longer than other vinyl compounds . However, following extensive listening , he deserned no playback problems. Personally, I have read a couple of articles that suggest recently cleaned Lps (cleaned on RCMs) "rest" for a period of 30 minutes or more, and claims the LPs sound "better" when rested for a day . I can only relate that of all the LPs I have cleaned one or two 1950's Verves really did sound improved with a rest.
But Stelkor let me make this clear,in all the years of steaming have I never damaged a record by steaming. Bad turntable management Yes , Steaming ? No.
Based on the email threads on the subject of steam cleaning I purchased the Perfection Hand Steamer and Peak water today and tried it out. Some initial questions/comments as I try to get a process down:
1. Just to confirm, you do NOT use any of the attachments that come with the cleaner. If so, then if I chose to steam a record on my RCM (seems easier than hand held which I tried tonight) then I would need to use the extension & nozzle attachments to avoid tilting the steamer at > 45 angle (whcih the user guide does not recommend). Does that sound reasonable?
2. I steamed one (old) lp for practice, then cleaned with Disc Doctor. The lp must have expanded as it was much more difficult to put it back on the turntable (the center hole had become constricted). How do I avoid this from happening?
Jbaussie : You made my New Year's Eve with such a positive email, thank you .
J: Steam Cleaning is based on science not hype. In terms of Lp cleaning, that means anyone who chooses to follow the process (and respects Steam Cleaning from a safety point of view) can expect the same positive results that I have enjoyed for years for a fraction of the cost associated with record cleaning.
We must always remember, the industry has "educated" we Lp'ers to expect Instant Karma by cleaning from a liquid in a bottle , a machine or brush costing BIG bucks. But thats only a small part of the story. Cleaners and machines all have a place in the arsenal of record cleaning aids; the real story is " what do your ears tell you " and that is priceless .
Be assured I'm science-type person with room for inspiration and innovation. I love those black discs and I have been experimenting with remarkable ideas that compliment steaming bringing more musical enjoyment to folks like you and I.
Recently, I have had several break-thru's that I must re-test to make certian they are ready for "Prime Time". Till then, keep the revolution going.
Man am I steamed! Based on Crem1 suggestions, I got my wife to buy me a Perfection steamer for Christmas. I went to Pep Boys and got the deionized water, even bought myself a 3" Purdy brush. I already have a VPI record vac that is 26 years old and still going strong (so obviously I believe in cleaning records). I have been using the Walker Audio Prelude with great success. So, I followed Crem1 recommendations and have been astonished at the results. I am truly hearing sounds in records I have played for 26 years that never heard before. And it most cases way less surface noise. Thanks Crem1! I now consider a steamer and a record vac a must.
Ghosthouse: For years I have been using demineralized and distilled H2O super pure water manufactured by Peak as battery water. I formerly purchased another product no longer on store shelves;however,according to the customer rep for Peak, they also manufactured that product for a 3rd party distributer that was identical to the current manufacturing standards for Peak Battery Water. I purchase Peak @ Pep Boys Auto for $4.00 per Gal. According to another Thread on Water below ours, Whole Foods Organic Stores sell a in-store water product possibly superior to Peak for significantly less $, provided you supply the container. All the Best in the New Year - Charlie
Ghosthouse, Sure can't throw stones for that recommendation. Bought a near mint Mommas, and Papas greatest hits not long ago for $2 at the antique shop here in town (akin to a used record shop, but they have a multitude of various other things as well)
I ran the Lp through my VPI 16.5 with AIVS 4-step cleaners, sleeved them up in Mo_Fi, and Japanese Sleeves. A few days later decided to give the LP a spin to reminicse. I was totally startled to say the least. I was starting to have doubts whether my new Benz Ruby 3 was ever going to come around to sounding "pleasing". (Note how I say "Pleasing", and not killer)
The sound really surprised me, crystal clear midrange,no groove noise at all, and bested many Mo-Fi's I have lying around here, like Momma Cass was singing in the room! That woman sure had a beautiful voice, that was apparent with this LP. She sure wasn't much of a "Looker", but she could sure darn well sing! A terribly horrible loss, just like many other greats. Mark
Crem1 - Thanks for your recommendations. I enjoy buying used vinyl at flea markets etc. Have some that really need a good cleaning. Am going to track down a Perfection Steam Cleaner (I do see it on Walgreen's web site).
Just came across this. Thought it might be of interest http://musicangle.com/feat.php?id=54&page=4
Any suggestions about on-line sources for triple-distilled water?
Taper : Thank you for the kind words. As the year comes to a close, just a mention of the following to Taper&Friends:
I believe Steam Cleaning is creating a grass-roots revolution of LP owners that is evolving to revive LP recordings to remarkable listening levels.
Steam Cleaning is cost effective, demonstrating that it is competitive to any other cleaning method in the market place. Steaming Cleaning method can stand on its own but for those with RCM's it makes no sence to discard a useful machine made so much more effective in combination with Steam Cleaning.
Hand held steam cleaning is no fluke. It is a process/method that was created & designed and used with great sucess for over a decade. It was an idea I did not exploit for gain , rather an idea I shaired with other Lp'ers to spread the joy of what was possible out of decades old/new recordings. Steam Cleaning is an idea and process that has been discussed in many of our most respected audio magazines for that value of the idea and process, not for profit.
In today's world superior steam cleaning machines abound to what had been available and at low cost. I continue to feel the"Perfection"is a best buy although the "SteamFast SF-227" has a more powerful blast of steam. But, what ever handheld steamer(sans garment units/steam irons)one uses will get the job done. Personally, I am coming to believe blasting power is something that one wants to vary depending upon the condition of the Lp.
A new Lp has a different set of cleaning conditions/values than a used recording. For instance, a fellow steamer emailed that he rarely uses anything other than pure steam on new records. He sez that he feels H2O removes most processing greases with just a moment or two of steaming.
The evolution of Steam Cleaning has exposed an achilles heel in the Record Cleaning Industry -- record cleaning solutions. I feel that it is a true gift of alchemy to create a record cleaning solution that does not leave some layer of materal a "sonic fingerprint" to shroud the listening experience , irrespective of the claims of the manufacture. Anyone that has Steamed Cleaned and played an LP understands what the manufactures have yet to learn.
So as we end this year and begin another lets work together to bring Lp cleaning to greater heights.
Remember its the journey... Happy Season -- Charlie
I concur with the others who have had positive results from steam cleaning records.
Crem1 has been very helpful in his postings here, and additionally via email, such that now I have adopted steaming as a routine approach to vinyl enjoyment.
The following procedure is a summary of how Crem1's method looks for me using the WalMart steamer. I offer it here if it helps to clarify things for other new adopters.
Method:
1.Place the LP on the VPI RCM and steam the recording while rotating so as to douse the grooves deeply with steam about 3-4” from the disc surface for approximately 10-15 seconds using an angled nozzle approach.
2.Stop the VPI motor and apply the record cleaning solution of choice [mine is a home brew based on isopropyl alcohol].
3.Carefully scrub with a VPI record cleaning brush while the disc is rotating. I allow about 4-5 rotations for this step.
4.Next give blasts of steam to dislodge crud for several revolutions, and then position the vacuum tube over the LP and turn-on the vacuum to suck off the alcohol and steam residue mixture.
5.Gently dry the arm tube with a micro-fiber cloth and then do a 10 second final steam "rinse" while the disc is rotating.
6.Vacuum off this remaining fluid for about 6 rotations and check for dryness of the disc surface and label.
7.Go over the cleaned LP with a pristine and dry micro-fiber cloth to remove any residual moisture and continue with the other side.
8.Use a new liner sleeve and make notations of treatment date for historical purposes.
9.This technique should last for a long time so just before playing, I merely use a dry high quality microfiber cloth to go over the LP surface to remove any new dust once the record is on the turntable platter. I suspect repeated steaming will not be needed on already treated records.
I hope this is useful and welcome any feedback that might enhance the approach. Thanks to all steamers for the advice, encouragement and assistance, especially Charlie.
Headsnappin: The simplest way is steam, then scrubb with Lp cleaning solution on a revolving RCM,vacuum,steam again to remove all cleaning solution,vacuum again and allow to dry or use a microfiber cloth.
The combo action is using the best of both worlds steam and vacuum : You blast, clean 'an scrubb & suck off the grunge that gets in the way of listening pleasure. Don't let anybody fool you , should you have a RCM use it , your investment is enhansed .
Readers : I have come across a Microfiber polishing cloth that appears to be significantly better than most cloths on the market. The Flitz 4 star Microfiber Polishing Cloth, www.Flitz.com , is made of Starfiber @ Microfiber; threads are 100 times finer than human hair, absorbs 4 times its weight in liquid and reportly works "electostatically". The cloths are sized from 12x12", 16x16" and 21x24" and range in price from $5.00 to $9.00. The cloths appear to be a perfect mate to our steaming efforts for a fraction of the cost others would charge for similar, but not as superior a product.
If you have the space available to set up a cleaning area, my advice is to source a junk turntable (Goodwill, your local audio dealer may have taken some crappy trade-ins), which is what I've done. This is the perfect platform for both applying fluid and steaming. You can steam an entire side in about 5 seconds at 45 RPM with a garment steamer. I usually apply fluid with a carbon fibre brush, steam, brush again, steam, brush and vacuum.
Quick, effective, and if you're steaming at 45 RPM you'd have to work extremely hard to damage the record. I like about 2.5-3 inches away.
12-09-07: Hififile 1) How far do I hold the steamer nozzle from the record?
About 6 inches. I lay an LP on the kitchen counter (on top of a microfiber towel) and use the bent nozzle so I can hold the steamer nearly horizontal. Easier on my wrist.
2) What kind of motion do I use? Circular following the grooves or maybe from top to bottom?
Not sure that it matters, but I generally use a circular motion following the groove. I figure if the steam is moving in the same direction as the groove, it's more likely to blast it out of the deeper part of the groove. I also know that this is just speculation on my part.
3) Is there a particular brand or type of dish rack to get to prevent scratching the record?
I use the garden variety dish rack we already had. It is rubber-coated wire.
4) I'm confused, do you physically towel dry the records, or air dry them in the dish rack??
Personally I use a terry-cloth style microfiber towel (it claims 90,000 fiber naps sticking up per square inch). This helps wipe the gunk and water out of the groove. I then rack the LP after towel-drying it to let any residual moisture evaporate. Also, if you have gotten the label wet, you'll want to rack it until it's dry. You don't want to put a wet record back into its liner sleeve.
To avoid getting the label too wet, I lay an oriental rice bowl over the label. It covers it perfectly without covering any of the groove.
1. That's a variable from 1" to 3", the SF-227 has a Lot of Steam Power--Keep a vinyl-type glove on your hands for safety sake. The 227 can leave a scalding red streak should you overlap your hand.
2. Holding the LP on an angle facing away from your face and body, spray the groves in a circular motion. Top to bottom or reverse doesn't really matter just watch the label. Always wipe it dry or cover with a circular piece of vinyl, I use a "give-away" jar opener.
3. Yes, a vinyl-type covering over all the frame works for me. Soft and non-abrasive.
4. Some air dry and some do not. Using an extremely soft micro cloth seems to be the perferred method of those who do not combo with a RCM. Soft is the perference, just a slight wipe once or twice , allow air drying for several minutes depending on your home enviorment.
Thank you for the kind words. I only hope that what we have diccussed will enhanse your listening experience.
"Let the one who is without error and sin cast the first stone", Jesus Christ.
Good words to live by especially in the realm of ideas good and not so good.
Steaming has its limits , the consequences become more understandable when experimentation demostrates that what you get is not what you wanted. No need for tags or flames, just knowledge. That way , we learn together some quicker but we learn together in-fellowship . No more, no less.
A 'Goner emailed me detailing his use of a conventional steam iron resulting in the warping of a vintage LP. Learn from this experience , never use a steam iron in lieu of a hand held steam cleaner. The heat footprint is far too large, causing the vinyl to absorb excessive heat and warp. Always use a hand held steam cleaner, always a safe bet for you and your record collection.
I continue to be satisified with the Steamfast SF-227 that can be had on line from WalMart: I did visit Walgreens confirming that they were offering the rebate exactly as Badboss reported. How long the rebate continues I do not know. The Perfection certianly is the "best buy" and does work "perfectly".
Right now , KMart/Sears are selling the SharkSteamer for $35: from appearences the product seems to be quite capable of cleaning LPs; the only stat published on the box highlighted that it consumes 1000 watts.
For fun, I am testing "rinsers". I never pour rinsers into the steamer for the sake of your/my safety. Rather, I spray them or paint then on the LP , later to be steamed off. No conclusive results to mention , a combo of superpure H2O/white vinegar (30-1 , 20-1 or 10-1 ratio) does seen to be the way to go.
From your emails I appologize if I confused you regarding weither steam cleaning is be performed evertytime an LP is played . The answer is No. Usually one cleaning is all that is required , unless you live in a super dusty enviorment or the LP is subjected to gunk. Replacing the inner-sleve with a rice paper variety helps to assure the disc remains clean .
Anyone considering the purchase of the Perfection steamer, Walgreens is offering a $10.00 mail in rebate, making your total investment on this handy device $19.95.
Threaders: My initial results with the SteamFast SF-227 are positive. The steamer costs $35 @ Walmart's Web Site, consumes 900 watts, holds 10oz of distilled/super-pure water and provides up to 13 minutes of continious steam flow. It quickly produces a powerful shot of super-heated steam ; safety is a must, not an option. The unit does produce a more powerful blast of steam than the Perfection but how much is over-kill is best determined by you. I think the Perfection Steam Cleaner is a best buy ; should already have one or other steamers use and bask with the results. If not ,the SF-227 may be an option for LP Cleaning. Should you use the SF-227 or any other Steam Cleaner please post your experience with us.
Threaders: In late Oct. I mentioned that I purchased another steamer from WalMart that I know to be identical to the one offered by Mapleshade. It is included in the record cleaning package they are selling for $150.
WalMart's Web Site claims they shall notify you by email when the unit arrives. What they failed to doctument is that having your "pop-up blocker" on the email does not come thru to you.
Today, after Days of calls I learned the steaming unit was @ my local WalMart and despite hours of telephone efforts the 'Mart never notified me . Go figure. Today, I shall pick-up the steamer and let you'all know if the results were worth all the trouble.
Johnnyb53: Its good to know that steam cleaning has made a positive improvement on your audio life.
The method you are using is cost effective . May I suggest another cost effective improvement ? The KAB Ev-1 Pro. Record Cleaner , a down & dirty Nitty Gritty Top (129.us), www.kabusa.com , is the cheapest version of a vaccum cleaning unit. That's if you already own a vaccum cleaner for the home that can be attached to make it work. The combination of steaming & vaccuming is just as good as it gets.
The added advantage is you suck off the stuff solutions 'an steam have released from the vinyl. Micro-cloths do make a difference --I use them also to dry.
Welcome to the Steaming Club. We need new converts to pass the word to vinyl-heads. Save your greenbucks for more used vinyl!
OK, guys & gals. Count me as an A-1 convert to the synergistic combo of a handheld steamer, some record cleaning fluid, and those microfiber cleaning cloths with the deep nap with 90,000 fibers per square inch.
I had a Scunci steamer and an 8-oz. bottle of "Groove Solution" and a homemade record cleaning solution from a local chain of used record stores ($8.99 for an 8-oz. spray bottle). On recommendation of this thread I bought a 25-rag bundle of deep-pile microfiber cleaning cloths (16"16", 90,000 fibers per square inch) from Sam's Club.
This afternoon I took the noisiest used records in my collection--you know, the ones from eBay or from a used record store, you put it on the turntable to play, and go, "Aww, $#!+!," because they're too noisy to play.
I took 3 microfiber towels and the dirty records to the kitchen. I laid one towel on the kitchen counter to lay records on when steaming. I kept one towel for wet-wiping and another for drying and polishing.
My procedure was this:
1. Lay a record on a towel on the counter. (Note: You can place a small cup or bowl over the label to keep it from getting soaked.) 2. Spray it with record cleaning solution. 3. Run the steamer over the entire record, keeping the nozzle about 6" from the record surface. 4. Use one microfiber towel to wet-wipe the LP. Don't be afraid to press pretty hard to make sure you get the microfiber nap into the groove and dislodge the dirt. 5. Take another microfiber towel to wipe and polish the LP dry. In my experience, these microfiber towels impart a sheen to the record, much the way a brand new or barely played record looks when first pulled out of the sleeve. 6. Flip the record over and repeat steps 1-5. 7. Put the record upright in a dish rack to finish air-drying, though with the microfiber towel, it won't need much.
Here's how successful I was:
I have 4 LPs that were so noisy, I'd played parts of them once and put them away, never to play again. After cleaning them as described above, they are now completely playable with occasional crackles in the quiet sections.
I have 4 other LPs that were noisy enough that I only played them occasionally because I liked the music, the performance, or the recording so much I was willing to listen through the noise. In one case, I'd bought another rendition of the Brandenburg Concertos because I wanted a quieter copy to listen to. 2 LPs were a 40+ yr-old pressing of the Brandenburg Concertos. Another was a 45-yr-old RCA Living Stereo pressing of Julian Bream playing classical guitar, and another was a grimy 48-yr-old Everest pressing of a 35mm recording of Mozart woodwind sonatas, rescued from a thrift shop.
After cleaning the Brandenburg Concertos and the Julian Bream album became dead quiet and pristine, just like new. The Everest Mozart album became very quiet and extremely listenable with just the occasional crackle due to surface wear, but certainly not dirt.
Given the cost of a good record cleaning machine and even the cost of a set of deep-scrubbing Record Doctor brushes, I consider the hand steamer/microfiber method a gift. I feel like the cat who caught the canary. This is a very effective and reasonably quick and efficient way to deeply clean LPs!
Herman: LPs are a blessed curse from the Audio Gods. They can sound like glass screaching across concrete or calm the beast within. As the 0&1 world of audio took off analog was shoved off into the corner. And why not? Records generally sound inferior to CDs koz of noise that you could "lower" but never really eliminate.
Steam Cleaning , done correctly can really help bring life into a LP. How much depends on the audio system & condition of the records just to name a few challenges. H, thanks for taking the time to give this thread a read.
Belyin: I regret mentioning that a run or two in the dish washer will greatly reduce that smell of plastic in the nozzel that is not imparted to the vinyl. Love the fact the records sound great ! Keep the The Revolution (that's a Beatle thing) going.
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